COMMUNITY | John steps down from SEQICC Board

After three years serving on the South East Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Board, John has stepped down from his role as Secretary. Together with other Board members, particularly President Charlie Jia, John has worked to establish SEQICC as a dynamic network supporting the aspirations of Indigenous businesses. Over the past three years, SEQICC has presented many events, including several networking nights in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The Chamber also secured Federal Government funding to employ a Business Development Manager who is working towards growing the Chamber and raising its profile.

Last night, at a function at the recently opened Echidna Magic facility at the Mt Gravatt Lookout, new Board members were welcomed and the departing Board members, being John, Wayne Denning and Neil Willmett, were heartily thanked and farewelled.

Even though John has stepped down from the Board, Harbinger Consultants remains a proud member of SEQICC and supporter of the Chamber’s mission to connect Indigenous and Non-Indigenous businesses to promote, support, and guide Indigenous business success in the Australian community.

Echidna Magic is an initiative of First Contact and has been open for four weeks. Last night manager Trish Williams explained that it has taken 17 years the realise the dream she shared with her late husband, Robbie Williams, who instigated the project. There was acknowledgement that this important local natural asset needed some attention and cultural revival. The project received $437,000 in Federal Government funding late last year following approval of the plan by Brisbane City Council. The development includes a cafe, playground and public amenities. It will also develop as a place where people can learn about Indigenous language and culture. The facility provides training and employment for young people across the food and hospitality and landcare.

Trish said that the cafe is doing a roaring trade with many functions already booked in. Presently it is open for limited hours but there are plans to open for breakfast and other extended hours. A website is currently in development. The cafe provides sweeping views of the surrounding bushland, city and beyond from indoor and outdoor seating.

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Recent & Current involvements

Cultural & Public Art Strategies for urban, suburban & regional communities
Stakeholder engagement and partnership brokering for Indigenous led enterprise and economic development research project
Facilitation & workshops
Commissioned writing, research, editing and guest lecturing
Voluntary non profit board involvements with Art from the Margins and Dementia Friendly Communities Advisory Committee
Membership of the International Association of Public Participation and Institute of Place Management

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Respect

Harbinger Consultants respectfully acknowledge the past and present traditional owners of Australia and pay our respects to the leaders of the traditional custodians of this land. We are grateful to the Elders - Indigenous and non-indigenous - who so generously share their knowledges and wisdom with us.